Tag: Awning

Guide to buying your first caravan
🛻 Guide to Buying Your First Caravan

1. 🎯 Define Your Needs

Start with the essentials:
- How many people will use it? Couples may only need a 2-berth, while families may need 4–6 berths.
- How often will you use it? Occasional trips vs. full-time travel can impact what type of caravan is suitable.
- Where will you travel? On-road or off-road? International or domestic?
- Towing vehicle? Ensure your car is suitable (see below).
2. 🚙 Check Your Towing Capacity

Your vehicle’s towing capacity is critical.
- Check the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Tare weight of the caravan.
- Match it to your car’s Maximum Braked Towing Capacity.
- Remember the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) if loading both the vehicle and caravan.
- Make sure you have a suitble tow bar that takes the correct nose weight, you can test your caravans nose weight with this device (Click here)
💡 Pro tip: Stay under 85% of your car’s kerb weight for safer towing if you’re a beginner.

Elddis Aurora Caravn and Land Rover Freelander

3. 🏕️ New vs. Used Caravans

New Caravan Pros:
- Warranty and latest tech.
- No hidden damage.
Used Caravan Pros:
- More affordable.
- Slower depreciation.
🔍 When buying used, inspect:
- Damp, mold, and water damage. You can buy a damp meter tester. (Click here)
- Chassis and tires.
- Appliances and electrics.
- Service history.
Elddis Typhoon GT 1997

4. 🛏️ Layout and Features

Popular layouts vary—visit dealerships or expos to explore:
- Fixed bed vs. convertible seating (Click here)
- Separate shower/toilet or combined wet room
- Kitchen space (Click here) and cooking appliances (Click here)
- Storage options (Click here)
🔧 Must-have features for many:
- Heating/AC
- Solar or battery setup (Click here)
- Awning – (Click Here)
- Security devices (tracker, wheel lock) (Click here) for the one that we use.
5. 💰 Budget and Hidden Costs

Besides the purchase price, consider:
- Insurance
- Storage (if not kept at home)
- Maintenance and servicing
- Towing mirrors and hitch locks. Towing mirror (Click here)
- Site fees and club memberships (like Caravan and Motorhome Club)
6. 🧾 Legal & Safety Requirements (UK Example)
- Valid driving licence for the weight (Check your Category B license limits)
- Number plate on the caravan
- Properly rated towbar and electrics Example Alko system requires this tow hitch (Click here)
- Working brake lights and indicators
- Ensure caravan brakes and breakaway cable are functional. Buy a replacement (Click here)
7. 📍 Where to Buy
- Dealerships – Safer, with consumer protections
- Online marketplaces (e.g., Autotrader, Facebook marketplace)
- Caravan shows – Try multiple models in one place
- Private sellers – Cheaper but riskier
8. 🧪 Try Before You Buy

If unsure, rent a caravan for a weekend. This gives you a real sense of what layout and size works for you.

9. 🛠️ Plan for Servicing and Storage
- Annual servicing is recommended (chassis, gas, electrics).
- Store under cover if possible to reduce wear. You can buy one (Click here)
10. 🧭 Join a Caravan Community

Great for advice, buying tips, campsite recommendations:
- Caravan and Motorhome Club
- Online forums or Facebook groups
- YouTube channels (many do walkarounds and reviews)
For all your caravan needs or to browse (Click here)
June 1, 2025
Travel guide around Northern Ireland in a caravan with an itinerary
Traveling by caravan in Northern Ireland is a fantastic way to explore its stunning landscapes, coastal drives, and historic sites at your own pace. Here’s a guide to help you plan a caravan trip in Northern Ireland:

🚐 Why Caravan Travel in Northern Ireland?
- Freedom and Flexibility: Explore the countryside, coasts, and towns without strict itineraries.
- Scenic Routes: The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
- Compact Region: Northern Ireland is relatively small, making it ideal for road trips.
🗺️ Top Caravan Routes & Destinations

1. Causeway Coastal Route
- Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy.
- Camping Spots:
  - Causeway Coast Holiday Park (near Ballycastle)
  - Glenmore Caravan & Camping Park
2. Mourne Mountains & County Down
- Highlights: Silent Valley, Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle seaside town.
- Camping Spots:
  - Tollymore Forest Park Caravan Site
  - Annalong Holiday Park
Tollymore Co.Down

3. Fermanagh Lakelands
- Highlights: Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle, Marble Arch Caves.
- Camping Spots:
  - Blaney Caravan Park
  - Rushin House Caravan Park
4. Derry~Londonderry & Sperrins
- Highlights: Historic Derry walls, Sperrin Mountains, Beaghmore Stone Circles.
- Camping Spots:
  - Drumaheglis Marina & Caravan Park
  - Dungiven Castle Campsite
🏕️ Recommended Caravan Parks
- Six Mile Water Caravan Park (Antrim)
- Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park (Belfast area)
- Castle Archdale Caravan Park (Fermanagh)
Castlearchdale Co. Fermanagh

💡 Tips for Caravaning in Northern Ireland
- Driving: Left-hand side of the road; rural roads can be narrow.
- Weather: Pack for all conditions — it can change rapidly.
- Booking: Reserve popular sites in advance, especially in summer.
- Wild Camping: Restricted in Northern Ireland. Stick to designated sites unless you get landowner permission.
🚦 Need a Rental Caravan?

There are several local rental services such as:
- Bunk Campers (Belfast-based)
- Causeway Campers
- Go Explore NI
🗓️ 7-Day Northern Ireland Caravan Itinerary

Day 1: Belfast
- Things to Do:
  - Titanic Belfast Museum
  - Crumlin Road Gaol
  - St. George’s Market
- Stay:
  🏕 Jordanstown Loughshore Caravan Park (15 mins from city center with views over Belfast Lough)
Loughshore Jordanstown Belfast

Day 2: Antrim Coast to Ballycastle (Causeway Coastal Route)
- Drive: 1.5 hours via A2 (scenic)
- Stops:
  - Carrickfergus Castle
  - The Gobbins cliff path (advance booking needed)
  - Glenarm Castle Gardens
- Stay:
  🏕 Causeway Coast Holiday Park (Ballycastle)
Day 3: Giant’s Causeway & Surrounds
- Explore:
  - Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO)
  - Dunluce Castle
  - Bushmills Distillery (optional tasting tour)
- Stay:
  🏕 Glenmore Caravan and Camping Park (close to Ballintoy/Causeway)
Giants Causeway

Day 4: Derry~Londonderry
- Drive: ~1.5 hrs
- Explore:
  - Walk the historic Derry walls
  - Museum of Free Derry
  - Peace Bridge over the River Foyle
- Stay:
  🏕 Drumaheglis Marina & Caravan Park or Benone Tourist Complex
Day 5: Fermanagh Lakelands
- Drive: 2–2.5 hrs
- Explore:
  - Marble Arch Caves
  - Boat trip on Lower Lough Erne
  - Enniskillen Castle
- Stay:
  🏕 Castle Archdale Caravan Park (lakeside)
Marble Arch Caves

Day 6: Mourne Mountains / Tollymore Forest
- Drive: 2.5 hrs
- Explore:
  - Silent Valley Reservoir
  - Tollymore Forest Park (Game of Thrones filming location)
  - Newcastle town and beach
- Stay:
  🏕 Tollymore Forest Park Caravan Site
Tollymore Forest Park

Day 7: Return to Belfast via Strangford Lough
- Optional Stops:
  - Downpatrick (St. Patrick’s grave)
  - Mount Stewart House & Gardens (National Trust)
  - Scenic ferry across Strangford Lough
- Return caravan (if rented) or overnight again at Jordanstown
Strangford Lough Ferry

📌 Notes:
- All suggested sites are caravan-accessible or have parking nearby.
- Fuel is widely available, but top up before long rural stretches.
- Most caravan parks offer electric hook up, water, and waste disposal.
- This is only a rough guide it can be extended or shortened or done which ever way you prefer.
Here are some caravanning essentials:

Blue chemical toilet fluid – (Click here)

Rain Poncho – (Click here)

Flash Light – (Click here)

Have a look at our post on caravan towing covers – (click here)
June 1, 2025
Quick guide on caravan awning accessories
Here’s a list of common caravan awning accessories, organized by category, to help you equip and enhance your setup:

🛠️ Installation & Setup Accessories
- Awning pegs/stakes – Standard or heavy-duty depending on ground conditions. (Click here)
- Guy ropes & tensioners – For securing in windy conditions.
- Pole sets or air beams – Replacement or upgrade kits for frame support.
- Awning rail lubricant – Makes it easier to slide awning into the rail. (Click here)
- Draft skirt – Fills the gap under the caravan to reduce wind and drafts. (Click here)
- Wheel arch cover – Blocks drafts around the wheel arch area. (Click here)
🧼 Protection & Maintenance
- Awning cleaner – For removing dirt, algae, and mildew. (Click here)
- Waterproofing spray – Restores or enhances water resistance. (Click here)
- Awning storage bags – Keeps it clean and organized when not in use.
- Groundsheet or footprint – Protects the awning floor and improves comfort. (Click here)
💡 Comfort & Living Accessories
- Awning carpet/mat – Adds insulation and comfort underfoot. (Click here)
- Lighting – LED strip lights, lanterns, or solar-powered options.
- Heating/cooling fans – Electric or gas heaters, portable fans for airflow.
- Furniture – Foldable tables, chairs, storage units, and cupboards. (Click here)
- Curtains or blinds – For extra privacy and light control.
🔌 Power & Connectivity
- 12V and 240V power adapters – For lights, appliances, or chargers.
- Extension leads & cable tidy – For safe, flexible power setups.
- USB charging hubs – For phones, tablets, etc.
🛑 Security & Safety
- Awning tie-down kits – For added storm protection.
- Awning windbreaks – Provides privacy and wind shelter. (Click here)
- Bug screens or mesh doors – Keep insects out.
- Carbon monoxide/smoke detectors – Especially if using gas heaters inside.
⛺ Add-ons & Expansions
- Annexes or extensions – Add sleeping space or storage.
- Sun canopies or verandas – For shade without full enclosure. (Click here)
- Side panels/front panels – Customize based on wind/weather direction.
- Porch awnings – Smaller, quicker to erect than full awnings. (Click here)
Why not check out our other post on Caravan porch awnings? (click here)
May 30, 2025
Caravan Porch Awnings
A porch awning for caravans offers a range of practical and lifestyle benefits, especially for travelers looking to extend their living space and comfort while on the road. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages:

✅ 1. Extra Living Space
- Increases usable area for relaxing, dining, or storage.
- Provides a semi-enclosed space ideal for chairs, tables, or even an extra sleeping area (with certain models).
✅ 2. Weather Protection
- Shelters from sun, rain, and wind, making outdoor activities more comfortable in varying conditions.
- Helps keep the caravan cleaner by offering a transition area where you can remove muddy shoes or wet clothes.
✅ 3. Better Storage Options
- Awnings are ideal for storing bikes, boots, outdoor gear, or pets without cluttering the inside of your caravan.
- Some models come with built-in storage compartments or options to add them.
✅ 4. Privacy and Security
- Creates a more private space in crowded caravan parks or campsites.
- Can deter theft by obscuring access to the main entrance and offering a place to store valuables discreetly.
✅ 5. Energy Efficiency
- By shading windows and doors, awnings can reduce heat build-up inside the caravan, helping to keep it cooler in summer and reducing the need for air conditioning.
✅ 6. Enhanced Comfort & Lifestyle
- Makes it easier to entertain guests, enjoy meals outside, or just relax with more room to spread out.
- Adds a homely, comfortable feel to your camping setup.
✅ 7. Easy Setup & Versatility
- Modern porch awnings (especially inflatable types) are quick to pitch and dismantle.
- Available in various styles (full, porch, inflatable, drive-away) to suit different needs and caravan models.
Types of Caravan Porch Awnings

1. Traditional Pole Awnings
- Structure: Metal or fiberglass poles with fabric.
- Pros: Strong, stable, usually cheaper.
- Cons: Takes longer to set up, heavier.
2. Inflatable (Air) Awnings
- Structure: Inflatable air tubes instead of poles.
- Pros: Very quick and easy to set up, lighter to carry.
- Cons: Typically more expensive; punctures (though rare) can be an issue.
3. Drive-Away Awnings (for campervans or motorhomes)
- Pros: Can detach and remain standing if you drive away.
- Best for: Touring and staying mobile.
4. Seasonal Awnings
- Designed for: Long-term setups or seasonal pitches.
- Features: Heavier-duty materials, better weather resistance.
- Cons: Heavier and more complex to set up.
5. Touring Awnings
- Designed for: Frequent setup and take-down.
- Features: Lightweight, compact, quick-pitch designs.
Our view on the best awning?

Air awning, So much easier to set up! We found the pole awnings to be what most people in the caravan world call divorce in a bag! Here is a list of some awnings:

Streetwize Accessories Leisurewize LWPP2C Ontario Porch Awning 390 Charcoal (Click here)

Sunncamp Swift 325 Air Caravan Awning Free Pump & Gauge Free Storm Straps (Click here)

OLPRO View 420 Inflatable Caravan Porch Awning with Extension (Click here)

Why not check out our quick guide to caravan awning accessories? (click here)
May 30, 2025